🔴 Aaron Draplin Podcast Follow-up: Personal Branding & Authenticity

[@thefutur]

Would you pay $5-10 for a 1.5 hour lesson on typography fundamentals? This would include a short lecture and live design w/ q&a. I think we can produce 4-6 episodes that would teach the fundamentals of typography and will include a self-study assignment. Hit thumbs up if you would. We want to gauge the interest level.

[@flybyniko]

The Futur yes totally!

[@HCforLife1]

I am looking forward to it. That would be great - option to pay for a lesson for people who want to improve, but luck of money to pay big check for whole course. Keep a good work guys!

[@Spiritofabrand]

yes.

[@tasmandroneracersaotearoa5526]

Yes please... I'm starving for sraight up fundamentals and start grinding the f#@k out of it :)

[@JamieEverall]

Yes 100%

[@sophiaahamed]

Everything you said about working in your home and the mindset of abundance! Always cutting through the clutter to get to the heart of the matter! Thank you for that!

[@thefutur]

ah. i see.

[@bcolmenares2002]

I would pay. Thanks to the Futur Squad, there's so much value in your content and I use it as a resource regularly!

[@JohnBeatty]

At 33:00 minutes forward, I really love what Chris is saying... the openness and the feelings are really well spoken, and the honesty and tone he speaks in are perfect. To "me" this might be the most open and emotional that I've heard him be and I want to say "thanks" for telling it straight and being a bit vulnerable with the viewers.

[@thefutur]

thanks john. i can be more vulnerable if you'd like.

[@jwvandegronden]

I am a big fan of Aaron Draplin for exactly the reason given in this amazing life stream. Chris, you are my new hero, but on a completely different subject than design. You are sharp as a whip, a great coach, fair and somewhat intimidating because you are on top of everything. And yet you are engaging, accessible and know how to get to the level where it’s at, where our souls live and suffer. Able to exemplify your philosophy of engagement, hunger for knowledge, feeding your curiosity and living from a mindset of abundance allowing you to knowing your bearings to stay true to yourself. And you immediately apply a lesson from your conversation with Draplin by going off your own original script and share that gut wrenching personal anecdote and willing to be fully exposed and vulnerable. You both honored your guest and your audience with your trust and gratitude by doing that. And that my friend, takes cojones the size of Texas! And I love you for it. You clearly have done some serious inner work to grow and you found your bearings and now you are an oak. With an old soul. What a Mensch and what a master. I’m seriously impressed and thankful to have watched this. This is content the way internet was meant to be. Tip hat!

[@thefutur]

hi Jan. thanks!

[@txips]

Master Chris, I love getting to know the people you work within BLIND, get more of this discussion's videos going! I'm exited to that typography course, and can´t thank you enough to do this for "us" in the "little league" :) Once again, thanks for all the content The Futur is putting out there! Cheers from Portugal!

[@shouvikkar8137]

Sir, Chris makes me smile. Thank you.

[@stodorovic]

Late to the party, but absolutely loved that you brought Draplin who is someone with SO different views on life and business Re: typography course - man, knowing the quality of you guys' resources even 15-20$ is ok in my eyes; I've paid 30-40$ for short courses for a single tool/technique lessons for AI, AE etc. on multiple occasions

[@thefutur]

hope others feel the same way.

[@thehsda]

THIS SPEAKS TO ME! I work from home, and I ended finding clients that want my work how it is, without any judging. I really like both Chris and Draplin, hear them both, and translate all the information to fit me, my work where I live, I live in Egypt, not many appreciate authentic good design, they don't care if you steal pictures they just want the best they get for a few peanuts. But the clients I found now, after a few years, appreciate my work so much, and they can't believe I'm a self taught designer.

[@raynalreyes5769]

Wow man, listening to you is life-changing...every time...you rock Chris!

[@thefutur]

thanks! we strive to make an impact on the lives of creative people.

[@RokoDesign]

Really enjoyed this episode!.. thanks for sharing

[@thefutur]

thanks Roko

[@barbarajebet8676]

Going for the bronze as we speak. Thanks for this.

[@thefutur]

Barbara M good luck.

[@eddytritten]

Avoid well-lit places for dating. Loved this episode, great small talks. Cannot wait for the lessons. I'm also a huge admirer of Doyald Young and I'm currently studying his books, this guy was insane!

[@thefutur]

Eddy, were you one of my students. Hadn't heard the "small talk" term used since I last taught at Art Center.

[@eddytritten]

Haha unfortunately no

[@yeseongkim682]

5$ would be nothing for me if i can get a typography course from chris ! so excited and cant believe you guys are doing this ! thank you

[@thefutur]

we will have to teach typography over the course of 5-7 episodes. 1 each week.

[@samdunn5486]

So, I haven't watched/ listened to the podcast yet but I really enjoyed this discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed the topics of authenticity, identity and ethos; seeing a softer side was enjoyable and validating- thank you for sharing your story, Chris! Also Stewart/Stuart is cool, man! More screen time for Stewart/Stuart!

[@stewartschuster]

Thanks for the kind words Sam. We do this for the podcast regularly, but I think we might try and sneak it into the live stream every once in a while, as well.

[@thefutur]

count on it.

[@austinbedford2806]

The whole video was really helpful. At the end when Stewart encouraged us to put ourselves out there and show our work really hit home! Thanks again for everything!

[@thefutur]

i think we could all use that kind of encouragement.

[@therealstevenmanuel]

I think the biggest issue most people have is that they derive their self worth from what others think of them, but more often, what THEY think others are thinking. Very often the reality of how people perceive us is much better than what we assume they are thinking. Creating a social or business avatar that they feel is what people want, only makes this worse over time.

[@Kat.111]

Love you guys thank you for sharing!

[@thefutur]

thanks Kat

[@jwvandegronden]

Stewart, thanks man for sharing your pain and frustration! That took guts, and was beautiful and inspiring to watch!

[@ziolp]

Yes! Take my money!

[@Jeni_dahlia]

This was incredibly inspiring and loved the conversations between everyone today.

[@alejoporras-visualnotes]

Man! this is one of the best episodes I've seen so far from you guys. I appreciate you being so open about your thoughts, ideas and experiences. I learn a lot from what you say, and I have a lot of respect for you. You guys hit gold every time. Cheers!

[@thefutur]

thanks Alejo! glad you enjoyed it.

[@wspeed657]

Hell yeah! I was hoping you guys would talk to Aaron and stream it. Thank you.

[@thefutur]

wspeed657 podcast.

[@wspeed657]

Found it. Thanks again. I'm a product designer and I find listening to other designers in different fields inspirational. I've also been able to apply some of what you talk about to my professional career. Thanks for everything you do on here. It's appreciated!

[@thefutur]

thanks!

[@rosevaley]

I can't wait for the typography course!!

[@thefutur]

it's already begun.

[@seancampbell4648]

$5!?!?! That's basically free. So excited for the typography material from you guys. I thought it was going to be in the form of a course like the lettering one from Nils, but this option is way more appealing.

[@thefutur]

if we make it affordable, maybe people will buy it instead of stealing it. not set in stone yet, but let's see where this goes.

[@thefutur]

what should we price it? i want to get at least 5000 people to buy/watch it.

[@seancampbell4648]

Hmm...that's a pretty big number. From a quick eyeball average, your live streams seem to get about ~7,000 views on average? I'm sure you have the real number. 5,000 would be an over 70% conversion rate. I don't want to be a Debbie downer, but that just seems unrealistic to me. What I can say is that I'd be happy to pay $15-20 an episode if we are talking about structured lessons with projects and critiques and such. I think $5 is a good price to reach the most people though, without it being free. It's hard to say though because I know you guys have a lot of Indian viewers etc. and $5 is worth at least 5x there than what it is here.

[@warhorseman97]

Sean Campbell Hey Sean, I'm a graphic designer and lettering artist from India. I've been rigorously following TheFutur for years now. And true, the conversion makes it approx Rs650 and that is less than a book. I bought stop stealing sheep for double that. So yeah it's a fair amount but putting it into perspective it's like 3 Uber rides. 5$ is still a big steal for me but the main problem will be stream time.

[@thefutur]

the problem is the time difference right?

[@CaliKrazyTV]

Sharing that deep insight of your experience growing up was great! Great transparency

[@thefutur]

thanks man!

[@flybyniko]

Really great episode, loved the discussion about authenticity. Chris really appreciate the personal stories - I think it's a good idea to add some of that to your talked as it makes you more relatable. I feel like I'm more ready to listen when someone opens up in the beginning.

[@thefutur]

i will make a greater effort to share some personal stuff. never know when it's an overshare and relevant to the main point.

[@LillianHicks1]

"Its okay to have to be creative and be kind of hungry" - Aaron Draplin . My perspective, of everything I thought I knew about design , shifted after the podcast. The 35:00 minute is a rich minute.

[@thefutur]

nice!

[@darksentences9420]

Thank you for another educational post. Typography live stream: Looking forward to your class. I've already reserved my front roll seat.

[@thefutur]

Michael A.O see you in class.

[@iamzerofficial]

As creatives, it's our gift to play multiple characters throughout our journey. Life is theatre. Authenticity is a subjective role. We can exercise as many personal abilities (personalities) given the circumstances we find ourselves within. However, it does not mean you have to lie. We can get away with more by being ourselves in truth rather than living a lie. Due to the fact - that most people will presume that when we share our truth, we are lying. People will adjust their perceptions of us according to their immediate needs and/or wants. It's our job to assist them with becoming able to distinguish the difference! ( 19:20 )

[@Design475]

55:00 Powerful stuff! I can definitely relate.

[@beatezeuner1817]

I think that's a very wise advice, Aaron (did I got your name right?) at minute 17/18 about the storytelling. It is not about making up a story, but sometimes about reframing something that you actually see as negative into something positive. I think one have to get to know her/himself very good. Like "who am I? What are my insecurities? What are my nonconscious patterns? How can I accept my weaknesses and reframe them as something positive?"

[@thefutur]

Beate Zeuner perfect.

[@thefutur]

true

[@twizdid]

I can't wait for more typography content and this proposed live stream. The videos about individual typefaces sound exciting too!

[@jimleonardson4268]

I went to Aaron's roadshow in Chicago a couple of years ago. During the Q&A I pointed out to him how organic and casual his process looked. I wondered if he still gets contracts and creative briefs. He assured me that he does take care of those business details of contracts etc. (at least for the big clients). I think we fans of Draplin don't see the nuts and bolts aspect of him running his DDC empire so we get the impression that the creative just flows like water. Also on the little league concept or work, I saw a video by Adobe of a few designers who were asked "What's the worst advice they received?"and Aaron told a story about someone proposing a business deal where they would expand his business and get "five mini Draplins" to do design while Aaron would direct. He turned them down because that would mean less of him going into the work. He didn't want the product diluted.

[@GEN47-27]

I have the sinking feeling that I'm directly influencing the show, cos every little comment i make (even in jest), turns out to be on the next episode... And things I feel/wonder about on one episode, the NEXT episode Chris addresses it... and I'm across the world in Singapore, we have never met, and until 3 mths ago i have never picked up a pencil to draw/design anything. We could not be in more different circumstances and yet, you're reading my heart... It's happened 4-5 times already back to back...

[@thefutur]

#readingHearts is what we do.

[@designsofnycDOTcom]

The typography classes sounds like a GREAT idea, but can you make the live stream times after the "normal" work hours occasionally? The live stream classes later in the day I believe would allow more people to tune in and I don't mind the $5 for a class, but would get so much more out of it if able to ask questions while watching. - Just a suggestion, thanks!

[@thefutur]

we can experiment to see the response. 7pm would mean that the entire futur team staying late.

[@qmagix]

Great to see Steward on this channel, I love the way all videos are edited. Maybe an idea for Sterward to have his own episodes where he talks about his work? Great episode!

[@thefutur]

Qmagix we are pushing for that.

[@percylara944]

$5 is a steal! Would definitely be interested.

[@warhorseman97]

The podcast with Ian and you guys with draplin both showed different aspect. Even in your podcast he did mention that if someone looked at his face for too long they'd just leave! So he is aware of the dark side of his authenticity and due to his brand he willing to keep the authenticity active. Also, regarding the typography course. 5000 is a strong number and 5$ is a complete steal but as Sean mentioned that it is a high conversion target. Not that you haven't considered this, but even if you give something for free or 1$ but he has to go through the payment process. So that cuts down a lot of people even if they are willing to pay the amount. Eagerly waiting for your next video.

[@thefutur]

so what are you saying about the conversion? how many people in our community will pay some nominal fee to be taught typography?

[@warhorseman97]

The Futur I am a fanatic for your content and I plan to save up for the Nils course as well. Now I have noticed that content that focuses more on the design side, like portfolio reviews, logo design critiques, type manual, and more craft related videos gain much more engagement(easily reaching 25k). The business side, the deeper conversations average around 8-9k views. Now I do not know your population statistics but people who are deep in the community will immediately cough up the money. I'd suggest going for price bracketing where the members can pay either 5,10,20 or 50$ based on how much they value it. This way, people like me can chip in more, whereas the mass will also be equally interested as they can still pay 5$ and get their knowledge. This way you can capture both the markets and balance up your revenues. That's a pricing strategy that I've seen works well. Edit: I realised this is similar to the patreon model, and if your stats give you a sense that you can get a big number of subscribers, you can add in little incentives for the higher brackets, so that non fanatics start shifting up the pricing bracket when they feel the need.

[@thefutur]

Vidit Agarwal we are going to do this through KZbin I think. Not sure what kind of payment options they have.

[@Damon_365]

Glad to hear about the typography content. 5bucks is a bargain. I'm in

[@ericle8289]

I am ready for type!

[@michaelstancato6057]

Stewart's point about telling the story and Melinda's Behance investment payoff was great. Keep bringin them outsiders in.... and never eff w the dreamy music close. THX

[@thefutur]

thanks Michael!

[@harrishadiwinata8567]

Man i get goosebumps when i heard Chris said his going to teach the typography! been struggling with types my self, and yes i would love to pay it with money also :D

[@AbhinavAnadi]

Wow.. i just love your discussions.. i come to know about many things.. market and struggle of others.. and also I can relate to not going and talking to girls interested in me.. as i'm 32 and still not earning enough.. so i feel even if approach them it won't work out.. so i go away from them without even talking.. i feel bad making it look as if i rejected them.. hope god will forgive me for this. I switched career to graphic design from software development(every middle-class kid in India either becomes doctor or engineer, no matter how much talented they are in other things), so it's taking time to settle.. but also i'm in little confused state.. as i'm doing good in graphic design at office, but i want to do illustration, character design and caricature.. of which i've no training.. so practicing for that takes my all time after office, instead of focusing on graphic design.. I'm going to ask related questions later someday. The typography course is great offer just for 5 dollars.. and if it's The Futur, it's going to be good. Waiting for it be launched. Thanks for making such amazing videos.

[@shlomo_wolf]

Hey ✌🏼 Thanks for all these videos, I've really learnt a TON from them and constantly recommend them to friends who could use them. I was wondering if there are any videos where you talk about quitting a client job halfway through because you realized it was a lot more demanding than you originally anticipated. I know that's very specific but would be awesome to have some advice there, as I'm on that situation right now 😬 lol. Will keep searching for it, thanks again for the vids :)

[@thefutur]

Shlomo Wolf that's a tough one. Quitting cause it's tough would hurt your reputation. Quitting cause the client is abusive or a jerk is different.

[@shlomo_wolf]

The Futur thanks for the reply :) Yea that was my worry with quitting, along with the fact that it didn't feel right to do that once I committed to the project. I ended up letting them know that the project would take longer than I originally estimated for them (and that it would be more money because of that) and told them I'd finish up this part of the project (it was a multi part project) but due to personal reasons I wouldn't be able to continue it for them once I'm done. Seemed like the best option to keep my integrity as well as get off the job 😬 Sorry for the long post and thanks again for the reply 😉😇

[@ronanbucks]

That typography course would be amazing and I would happily cough up the $5. Any timeline on when we could expect something like this?

[@thefutur]

2 weeks or bust!

[@ronanbucks]

You guys are insanely good, as slick and professional as I've seen! I cant wait for the type class.

[@thefutur]

i have sketches ready for our first session. now to get the keynote ready and live type demonstrations.

[@LUCAS-go7jl]

Draplin makes me think about Forrest Gump.

[@teroblepuns]

Will there be an announcement to tell us when the stream begins?

[@thefutur]

hit that bell icon. that's one way to be notified. the other is to like our FB page for an announcement.

[@tasneemabrahams3032]

yes for the typography course!

[@thesodapoppanda8778]

So where can we buy the Chris dating kit? And is there an option for a Chris ear peace for on a date?

[@thefutur]

soon. and yes. : )

[@Dadillustrated]

Forcing "authenticity" is redundant. It's a process of discovery. Experience develops authenticity and it's very rare to know exactly who or what you are without trying out and learning different styles, design directions, ways of thinking and ways of attacking conceptual and creative thinking. I don't think authenticity is a set thing, it's always changing as you experience life.

[@thefutur]

i don't think anyone is trying to force authenticity. i think it's more that they're afraid to be who they are.

[@Cubannerd]

Aaron shouldn't have lied. Seriously. Telling the truth and adding the details is being authentic, even if you are telling a story. It's your story. Good clients can tell when you are being authentic and women too. Lying lead to short relationships whether it is a client or a romantic partner.

[@thefutur]

you have to own your story.

[@Cubannerd]

Exactly.

[@peteroffline6616]

Dating advice by Chris Do, ayy dope hahah

[@SlobboVideo]

OK, that's cool.......

[@SFVone]

re: Date Scenario. I think we need to work on both responses. #1 response - "I live at home" feels a bit hostile. #2 response - The over-explaining would make me feel super uncomfortable by the end of the story. I would think...wow, do I come off as judgmental or something? :(

[@thefutur]

i think our second take was a happy balance.

[@peteroffline6616]

Is it often that people dont like themselves because they put on a persona?

[@thefutur]

my suspicion is yes. that we think we are different than who we are. you know sometimes you see a photo of yourself or hear a recording of yourself and you think, that can't be me. do i sound like that? do i look like that?

[@aandre311]

THAT WOULD TOTALLY WORK!! women like men with big dreams. if you know what i mean XD

[@thefutur]

i think i catch your drift.

[@thefutur]

we have really huge dreams at the futur.

[@ishtiaqhussain]

great video as always, but I would like to know , in the discussion part with Aron it seems Mr. Chris seem to know what to say always on the spot. For me in most cases when client meeting is done and I have shot myself in the foot, my brain gives me the proper response to clients queries but it's too late.

[@FutonJohn]

Hell yea dude ill pay $5 for that.

[@michaelstancato6057]

Regarding you building community! I wonder if we could start a theFutur Meetup in Orange County. Like a TedX kinda thing. But also with Performance Partner updates for each other.

[@thefutur]

Michael Stancato you should totally organize this.

[@michaelstancato6057]

The Futur THANK YOU

[@waxmaster-c]

THIS: 54:40

[@michaelstancato6057]

yeah... everybody be sassy!

[@TedBettridge]

Young Ted Bettridge - sounds like a great kid.

[@thefutur]

Ted Bettridge he's good people. ;)

[@amosabsolutecreations6757]

Mr Do please provide the typography course for us I will truly appreciate that. #ChrisYouAreAmazing. 😊

[@thefutur]

thanks. gonna work on it this weekend.

[@peteroffline6616]

I would pay 5 dollar for a typography course from you Chris

[@fcm3d]

Dude that's my biggest problem it's hard to have any confidence in my self being a mixed race, fat, and hairy. Just not thinking I'm ever going to be good enough. I'm not Asian enough for Asian people and I'm not white enough for white people argh.

[@thefutur]

Jun Moreno you are Eurasian.

[@officialtechin5]

Class. Not swag, C L A S S. Always top quality: starting off for free and building up the price from there - the way it should be done.

[@jasonwoodrich1454]

I TOTALLY disagree with Aaron. Be you! Be authenticate. Attract who you are meant to attract. Some will, some won't, NEXT. By being you and true to who you are you will attract the client that will be more perfect for you.